Category Archives: Hybrid

Opel Astra world premiere

Two days ago, at the Opel headquarters in Rüsselsheim, the new Opel Astra had its world premiere. The sixth generation of the Astra was developed for three years, and 25 members worked on the development of the project.

Half of the development project consisted of females, such as Zuzana Majorova (supplier product quality), Haiyan Yu (digital cockpit development – Opel Pure Panel), Ilka Höbermann (interior design), Mariella Vogler (chief engineer).

Mariella Vogler said: “An international team has come together to achieve the goal with great openness and mutual respect. You can’t create a car that evokes positive feelings if you don’t have a team mentality. The result was influenced not only by the female factor but also cooperation, interaction, and thus the final product better. ”

What makes the new Astra so desirable are the strong feelings that can be found in many aspects of the car like the lines on the sides that are clear and strong. An example of tactile excellence can be found on the back of the five-door Astra, where the team integrated the rear door opening mechanism into the Opel logo. The car has the latest version of adaptive Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel lights.

Inside, when you sit down, you are faced with a “visual detox”. The Pure Panel digital instrument panel and analog displays have been replaced by a new user interface. There are also self-developed ARG-certified front seats (“Aktion gesunder Rücken e.V” / Action for a healthy back).

“We want our customers to feel the enthusiasm that everyone involved in the development has invested in the car,” said chief engineer Mariella Vogler.

Source: Opel Pressroom

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The new edition of the Jeep flagship will be offered in a shorter and longer body version (with which come three rows of seats) and five equipment packages. For the first time, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe also brings an electrified plug-in hybrid drive option.

In a statement, Jeep CEO Christian Meunier said: “The Jeep Grand Cherokee is our global flagship and will be leading the Jeep brand into a new era of premium refinement, innovative technology, advanced 4×4 capability and electrification.”

Inside, there are a pair of 10.1-inch screens for the driver display and infotainment system, as well as a 10.25-inch front passenger interactive display.

The hybrid Grand Cherokee is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors with a total power of 375 hp (276 kW) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque. The capacity of the 14.0-kWh lithium-ion battery is sufficient to cover 24 miles (40 kilometers) without the use of ICE, while the total combined driving range is 440 miles (708 kilometers).

The base 3.6-liter V6 petrol engine offers 289 hp (212 kW) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque. Optional are the Trailhawk, Overland and Summit equipment packages with a 5.7-liter V8 engine delivering 362 hp (266 kW) and 390 lb-ft (529 Nm) of torque. All models use an eight-speed automatic transmission to transmit power to all wheels.

Source: Jeep

Ford Fiesta with several new equipment kits

Three years ago, Ford introduced the eighth generation Fiesta for the European market. Now it reveals a redesigned model of one of the most popular European cars from the B segment.

The new Fiesta will be offered in several equipment packages, and will come standard with LED lights in dark cases. The lights will be combined with adaptive matrix technology in more expensive versions. Each of the equipment packages will offer a different look to the radiator grille.

Inside, there is a 12.3-inch digital cluster and an 8.0 inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The sporty version of the ST comes with black seats with contrasting red seams and integrated headrests.

The most powerful version of the Fiesta is powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine with 198 hp (145 kW) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque. The engine is paired with a manual 6-speed or automatic 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that transmits power to the front axle. The Eco work program has been replaced with the Track program. Dark 18-inch alloy wheels and Quaife ATB limited slip differential will be offered as an option.

The rest of the engine range is based on a liter three-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology.

Source: Ford